From Giallo to Nightmares: Argento Uncovered

Read Time:4 Minute, 57 Second

REVIEW
Dario Argento's Deep Cuts Collector's Set
– Door Into Darkness
– The Neighbor
– The Tram
– The Doll
Eyewitness
Night Shift
Dario Argento's Nightmares
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 1973-1988, 2024 Severin Films
Runtime: 9h 54m
Director(s): Dario Argento, Luigi Cozzi, Mario Foglietti, Roberto Pariante
Writer(s): Dario Argento, Luigi Cozzi, Marcella Elsberger, Mario Foglietti
Cast: Asia Argento, Lamberto Bava, Matteo Gazzolo, and many others
Where To Watch: available now from www.severinfilms.com or ww.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Explore the shadowy corners of television with DARIO ARGENTO'S DEEP CUTS. This Blu-ray collection unveils the lesser-known yet equally thrilling segments of Dario Argento's directorial efforts. Known for his ability to stitch tight narratives with the macabre, Argento shifts from the big screen to the more intimate setting of the TV, offering viewers a unique chance to experience his hallmark tension and terror across some packed discs. This set captivates seasoned fans and invites new viewers to explore Argento's rich cinematic story through anthology episodes, darkly humorous variety shows, and in-depth documentaries.

DOOR INTO DARKNESS kicks off the collection with "The Neighbor," an episode that transforms an everyday apartment into a den of suspense. In this story, a couple discovers that their new home has a chilling mystery tied to the residents above them. Argento's direction turns a simple premise into a riveting tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, proving once again that his touch can make even the mundane settings pulse with dread.

Argento himself helms "The Tram," where a seemingly average commute becomes the backdrop for a stealthy murder that goes unnoticed among the crowd. This episode, dripping with Argento's stylistic trademarks, features a crescendo of suspense amplified by a genuinely haunting score. The restoration of this episode magnifies Argento’s meticulous attention to detail and his skill in crafting visually stunning scenes that weave through the narrative.

The suspense deepens with "The Doll" and "Eyewitness," each episode drawing viewers deeper into urban nightmares and psychological thrills. "The Doll" tracks a relentless pursuit of a murderer, weaving through the city’s shadowy corners and culminating in a twist that cleverly subverts viewer expectations. Meanwhile, "Eyewitness" takes a more introspective route, focusing on a traumatized witness whose recovery and recollection of events lead to a gripping confrontation with her past—and the murderer.

1987 brought GIALLO, Argento’s clever variety series that blends elements of classic talk shows with the intrigue of murder mysteries (I can’t help but feel like LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL may have drawn some inspiration here.) Collaborating with directors Cozzi and Lamberto Bava, Argento crafts interconnected stories that place unsuspecting taxi drivers at the heart of peculiar and menacing situations. Episodes showcase their flair for merging horror with a dash of humor, creating a genre-bending experience that is as eerie as it is playful.

One of the collection’s standout features is DARIO ARGENTO'S NIGHTMARES, a series of condensed horror vignettes that distill Argento’s fascination with the grotesque into potent, bite-sized scares. These segments push the envelope with their “intense gore,” which is unexpected for Italian television, demonstrating Argento’s commitment to shocking his audience while adhering to his thematic roots.

Additionally, NIGHT SHIFT offers a series of vignettes that meld noir with the supernatural, introducing an array of mysterious characters whose lives intersect in thrilling and unexpected ways. This segment adds a novel twist to the collection, diversifying the traditional formats of TV storytelling.

DARIO ARGENTO'S DEEP CUTS is an essential exploration of the broader scope of Argento's work, illustrating his versatility and creativity as he transitioned from film to television. This extensive collection highlights his directorial adaptability and the creative challenges and innovations accompanying such a medium shift. With nearly ten hours of content, DARIO ARGENTO'S DEEP CUTS serves as a deep dive into the creative well of one of horror’s iconic figures, offering a comprehensive blend of suspense, style, and storytelling mastery that will captivate both newcomers and longtime fans.

Bonus:
Disc 1
Audio Commentary For Il Tram With Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson And Troy Howarth, Author Of Murder By Design: The Unsane Cinema Of Dario Argento
Dario Argento: My Cinema
Disc 2
Audio Commentary For Testimone Oculare With Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson And Troy Howarth, Author Of Murder By Design: The Unsane Cinema Of Dario Argento
Dario Argento: Master of Horror
A Streetcar Named Fear
On The Other Side Of The Door
Disc 3
TV Nightmares
Giallo On The TV
Taxi Drivers
Big Giallo Taxi
Calypso 9
Disc 4
Giallo Argento

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[photo courtesy of SEVERIN FILMS]

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